The pope designated June 19 as the start of the celebration, because it’s the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priest, whom the pope has proclaimed patron of all the world’s priests.

Catholic University’s Web site is worth a look if you want to know more about the Year for Priests and the special events that will be going on. The site also promises to get even more high tech as the year goes on.